Richland Community Prayer Network

Up in Smoke

Pastors encourage council members to send marijuana plans up in smoke.medical_marijuana_diversion_report_map

During a City Council meeting  Wednesday March 1, 2017, a correspondence sent by local clergy from seventy (70) congregations in Richland County, Ohio was given to Ontario city officials calling for the prohibition of medical marijuana facilities that involve  harvesting and/or commercial sale of the drug.

According to RCPN Coordinator Benjamin Mutti township trustee boards and municipal councils have the authority under state law to prohibit or restrict these facilities.  “Because of the addictive nature, the adverse side effects, and the  affiliation  with violent crime,  Medical Marijuana.is not the wonder drug some make it out to be.  For this reason, local government can prevent the Marijuana industry from coming through its doors.  While Colorado has legalized medical and recreation marijuana, seventy percent of that state’s communities have banned the commercial sale of this harmful drug.”

According to Reverend El Akuchie, one of the signers of the pastors’ letter, he believes that the Marijuana Industry is using medical Marijuana as a steppingstone to recreational Marijuana.

“Ohioans voted overwhelmingly by a 2 to 1 margin to prevent marijuana from being legalized in 2015.  Why would we want to legalize a drug and add to the substance abuse addiction crisis? The pastors have spoken: our families need hope, not another drug.”

Please see the clergy letter below.


March 1, 2017

TO:         Mayors of all municipalities in Richland County, Ohio

               Trustee Boards in all townships in Richland County, Ohio

CC:          Board of Richland County Commissioners                         Ohio House Speaker

                Ohio Attorney General                                                     Ohio Senate President

                Director of Ohio Department of Commerce                        Ohio Governor

RE:       Clergymen opposing medical marijuana development in Richland County, Ohio

Dear Distinguished Elected Officials:

Thank you for your dedicated civil service.  According to language in House Bill 523, legislative authority is given to a municipal corporation to adopt an ordinance, and given to a board of township trustees to adopt a resolution, to prohibit, or to limit the number of, licensed retail dispensaries of medical marijuana within the municipal corporation or within the unincorporated territory of the township. 1

Consequently, legislative authority is given to local government since medical marijuana is a schedule II controlled substance.  A schedule II controlled substance is considered to have a high potential for abuse. 2

It is our understanding that the House Bill 523 allows medical marijuana to be prescribed as treatment for the following medical conditions:  AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable, Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spinal cord disease or injury, Tourette’s syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and ulcerative colitis. 3

Permissible forms and methods for use of medical marijuana permits only the following forms of medical marijuana:   oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, patches, and any other form approved by the Board of Pharmacy.   Nevertheless, smoking marijuana is currently not allowed. 4

Suffice to say, there are at least three Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved derivatives of medical marijuana which include the active ingredient in marijuana called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 5

Although the Food and Drug Administration has approved these drugs for medical purposes, use of these drugs do not come without risk.  In fact, taking properly prescribed drugs is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.   More recent analysis estimates 128,000 Americans die each year as a result of taking medications as prescribed. 6

Nothing could be further from the truth when the medical marijuana experts assert that their product will ease the opioid addiction epidemic.  This claim brings to mind the ‘wonder drugs” of Suboxone 7 and Methadone 8 which were both touted as the answer to treating painkiller addiction, only to become addicted and abused drugs in their own right.  Medical marijuana will be no different.  Ironically, while the federal government has eased its penalties for illicit drug offenses, it has on the other hand escalated its restriction of religious freedoms, in many cases outlawing religious acknowledgement 9 and religious expression. 10, 11

Furthermore, as clergymen in Richland County, Ohio representing  Seventy (70) congregations, we oppose the harvesting and sale of medical marijuana in municipalities and townships within Richland County, Ohio and urge City Councils and Trustee Boards to prohibit this industry in their jurisdictions based on these determining factors:  addictive nature of marijuana, A  adverse health effects of marijuana, B  affiliation between crime and marijuana, C  inevitable illegal diversion of marijuana that will occur, D, E  local and state history on record of opposing marijuana  for medical and recreational purposes, F, G and lastly, the dangerous message sent to impressionable youth.

In closing, as stakeholders in the community, we clergymen believe that the Marijuana Industry is using medical Marijuana as a steppingstone to recreational Marijuana.  The economic cost to society will far outweigh any potential revenue this industry generates.  Just because the Ohio State Legislature confounded the electorate by legalizing the use of medical Marijuana, it does not mean it is right.

As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12,” All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” 

 

For what it’s worth, at the turn of the twentieth century, Bayer Pharmaceuticals developed a new non-addictive alternative drug to replace dangerous morphine as a cough suppressant for children with tuberculosis.    However, as the hospitals began filling up with addicted patients, the drug was discontinued.  The name of this powerful miracle drug?  …medical Heroin. 12   May Richland County know right from wrong and not fall for such schemes.

 

A.    Addictive nature of Marijuana

Prevalence of Marijuana Use Disorders in the United States between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013,” by DS, Saha TD, Kerridge BT, et al.  JAMA  Psychiatry. 2015; 72(12):1235-1242. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry. 2015.1858.  https://www.drugabuse.gov/ publications/research-reports/ marijuana/marijuana-addictive

Data suggest that 30 percent of those who use marijuana may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.

“Probability and predictors of the cannabis gateway effect: A national study” The International Journal of Drug Policy February 2015, Volume 26, Issue 2, Pages 135–142 http://www.ijdp.org/article/ S0955-3959(14)00204-7/ abstract?cc=yA large proportion of individuals who use cannabis as a “gateway drug” go on to use other illegal drugs.  Lifetime cumulative probability estimates indicated that 44.7% of individuals with lifetime cannabis use progressed to other illicit drug use

B.    Adverse health effects of Marijuana

“Marijuana Use Linked To Rare, Sudden Weakening Of Heart Muscles, ‘Broken Heart Syndrome,’ by Ed Cara, Medical Daily, Nov 14, 2016, http://www.medicaldaily.com/ marijuana-use-linked-rare- sudden-weakening-heart- muscles-broken-heart-syndrome- 404324  Marijuana use linked to broken heart syndrome which includes weakening of heart and symptoms of cardiac arrest

 “Study finds abnormally low blood flow in the brain of marijuana users,” published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, November 28, 2016, http://www.news-medical.net/ news/20161128/Study-finds- abnormally-low-blood-flow-in- the-brain-of-marijuana-users. aspx  The brain’s memory and learning center, has the lowest blood flow in marijuana users suggesting vulnerability to Alzheimer’s.   As U.S. races to legalize marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, this study gives reason for caution.

 “Teens who smoke pot at risk for later schizophrenia, psychosis,” by Ann MacDonald March 7, 2011, Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School http://www.health.harvard.edu/ blog/teens-who-smoke-pot-at- risk-for-later-schizophrenia- psychosis-201103071676    Marijuana use associated with schizophrenia

“The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact,” Vol. 3/September 2015, p. 3,

http://otfca.net/wp-content/ docs/co-legalization-report- 2015.pdf  three years after medical marijuana was commercialized; there was a 46 percent increase in hospitalizations related to marijuana.

C.     Affiliation between Crime and Marijuana

 “Family Massacre Reveals Ohio’s Massive, Illicit Marijuana Business,” by Abby Haglage, The Daily Beast, April 27, 2016,

http://www.thedailybeast.com/ articles/2016/04/27/family- massacre-reveals-ohio-s- massive-illicit-marijuana- business.html   The Rhoden family were running a commercial-sized pot operation when someone murdered them last week. The rural area where they lived actually is a strategic link in the international drug trade

“Richland County Sheriff: 23 overdoses at rural Ohio music festival,” by Kaily Cunningham, Fox 8 News Cleveland, August 6, 2016, http://fox8.com/2016/08/06/ richland-county-sheriff-23- overdoses-at-rural-ohio-music- festival/   

23 people overdosed during a music festival at the Ohio Dreams Sports Camp in Richland County.  According to the Sheriff, all 23 people hospitalized consumed candy that was believed to be laced with THC the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana

“Pot grower was armed, ready to fight,” by Holly Zachariah, June 16, 2012, The Columbus Dispatch http://www.dispatch.com/ content/stories/local/2012/06/ 16/pot-grower-was-armed-ready- to-fight.html   Morrow County , Ohio deputy shot five times by man attempting to cover up his 1,700 marijuana plant growing operation

The Legalization of Marijuana in Colorado: The Impact Vol. 3/September 2015, p. 4, http://otfca.net/wp-content/ docs/co-legalization-report- 2015.pdf   Between 2009-2012, when medical marijuana was commercialized, the yearly average number interdiction seizures of Colorado marijuana increased 365 percent from 52 to 242 per year.

D.    Inevitable Illegal diversion of Marijuana

“Medical marijuana report proves Colorado MMJ being illegally diverted, advocate says,” by Michael Roberts, August 2, 2012 http://www.westword.com/news/ medical-marijuana-report- proves-colorado-mmj-being- illegally-diverted-advocate- says-5849235   Tom Gorman, director of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area., presented a report entitled “Colorado’s ‘Medical’ Marijuana” lists more than seventy such incidents where medical marijuana was being illegally diverted from patients, caregivers and dispensaries.

“Colorado’s medical pot industry fuels illegal trade, review shows,” by Kirk Mitchell and Ryan Parker,  Denver Post,  April 30, 2016, http://www.denverpost.com/ 2012/08/02/colorados-medical- pot-industry-fuels-illegal- trade-review-shows-2/  Despite the most complex and strict medical marijuana laws in the country, Colorado patients, caregivers and dispensaries all have diverted medical marijuana to illegal use in 23 states

E.     Recent Ohio cases involving doctor malpractice and drug trafficking

“Mansfield psychiatrist indicted in drug fraud investigation,” July 13, 2012 by OTFCA, http://otfca.net/mansfield- psychiatrist-indicted-in-drug- fraud-investigation/   A Mansfield, Ohio psychiatrist could receive 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine if convicted of prescription fraud. David Walter Massie, 59, was indicted last week on a single count of conspiracy to distribute 4,000 pills of Oxycontin

“Prison for doctor who sold painkillers to addicts,” by WOIO, Cleveland 19 News,  2013 http://www.cleveland19.com/ story/22679708/prison-for- doctor-who-sold-painkillers- to-addicts  Ohio  Psychiatrist who had business offices in Lakewood, Beachwood, and his home office in Cleveland Heights, plead guilty for prescribing pain medication illegally

“Local doctor facing felony drug charge,” By Jeff Gilliland, The Times Gazette, July 6, 2016, http://timesgazette.com/news/ 8794/hillsboro-doctor-arrested    A Hillsboro, Ohio doctor has been arrested on an aggravated trafficking in drugs charge, for selling prescriptions for narcotics

“Documents: Oxford doctor accused of selling over 700 pills,” by Lauren Pack, Journal News, Oct. 26, 2016, http://www.journal-news.com/ news/crime–law/documents- oxford-doctor-accused-selling- over-700-pills/ 8zkOTXNwouJE8kEkEiJO2O/   An Oxford , Ohio doctor facing multiple counts of drug trafficking is accused of selling more than 700 Oxycodone pills and other drugs

“Ohio doctor pleads guilty to drug charges,” by Associated Press, published on Jan. 30, 2017, The Toledo Blade, http://www.toledoblade.com/ Courts/2017/01/30/Ohio-doctor- pleads-guilty-to-drug-charges. html   A Columbus doctor and former university trustee pleaded guilty today to charges of tax evasion and running a pill mill in Columbus that served hundreds of patients a day

 

F.     History of Local Opposition to Proposed Marijuana Legalization Measures

“Mansfield council lines up against marijuana issue, by Linda Martz, Mansfield News Journal, October 21, 2015

“Mansfield Council passes resolution against State Issue 3,” Staff report, Richland Source, October 21, 2015

“Commissioners speak out against Issue 3,” by Brittany Schrock, Richland Source, October 21, 2015

“Ohio marijuana legalization measure fails,” by Jackie Borchardt, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 3, 2015 http://www.cleveland.com/open/ index.ssf/2015/11/ohio_ marijuana_legalization_me.html    Ohio voters overwhelmingly defeated Issue 3 marijuana proposal for recreational and medicinal use by 64 to 36 percent margin

“Ohio House passes medical marijuana plan,” by Jessie Balmert , May 10,2016 http://www. mansfieldnewsjournal.com/ story/news/state/2016/05/10/ ohio-house-passes-medical- marijuana-plan/84197358/    State Representative Mark Romanchuk opposes medical marijuana bill

“Reluctant or not, lawmakers send medical marijuana to Kasich,” by Canton Repository, May 25, 2016 http://www.cantonrep.com/ article/20160525/NEWS/ 305259998   Senator Larry Obhoff opposes medical marijuana bi

 

G.    Political bodies who either opposed/delayed Medical Marijuana implementation

“Lakewood, other Ohio cities block medical marijuana business licenses months before any will be awarded,”

August 8, 2016, http://www.cleveland.com/open/ index.ssf/2016/08/ohio_cities_ preemptively_block.html

Lakewood, Beavercreek, and Piqua recently passed six-month moratoriums on licensing businesses and Rocky River, Lancaster, Lima and Liberty Township in Southwest Ohio are working on similar temporary bans

 

“Troy rejects medicinal marijuana dispensaries,” Staff report, Dayton Daily News Feb. 6, 2017 http://www.daytondailynews. com/news/breaking-news/troy- rejects-medicinal-marijuana- dispensaries/ O6f6ap0WCAH0HY8S2w0V4L/   Council voted to turn down a proposed ordinance that would have allowed up to three medical marijuana dispensaries

“Mentor, Kirtland address medical marijuana,” by Betsy Scott, The News-Herald, Published on October 27, 2016, http://www.news-herald.com/ article/HR/20161027/NEWS/ 161029491 Mentor City Council passed legislation prohibiting cultivation, processing and/or retail dispensing of medical marijuana. More than 50 Ohio cities have approved similar moratoriums ranging from six months to two years.

“Council passes medical marijuana moratorium,” by Daniel Carson , The News Messenger, Sept. 9, 2016 http://www.thenews-messenger. com/story/news/local/2016/09/ 09/council-passes-medical- marijuana-moratorium/89825940/ Fremont City Council has approved a one-year moratorium on medical marijuana

“Lorain puts hold on medical marijuana,” by Richard Payerchin, The Morning Journal, Published December 6, 2016, http://www.morningjournal.com/ article/MJ/20161206/NEWS/ 161209668 Lorain City Council approved a 12-month moratorium on any building permits or certificates of occupancy for anyone seeking to distribute medical marijuana

“Cities Across the Nation are Banning Cannabis Before It’s Even Legalized,” by Julia Granowicz ,  Nov 7, 2016 https://www.marijuanatimes. org/cities-across-the-nation- are-banning-cannabis-before- its-even-legalized/

Findlay City Council has just approved a 2 year moratorium on the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana

“Miamisburg expected to extend medical marijuana permit ban,” By Nick Blizzard , Dayton

Daily News, January 23, 2017, http://www.mydaytondailynews. com/news/local-govt–politics/ miamisburg-expected-extend- medical-marijuana-permit-ban/ OIOoAb1qOk5c0VemFTXGKJ/  Miamisburg is considering a 9-month extension on banning medical pot permits

 

“Dover City Council bans medical marijuana sales inside city,” By Nancy Molnar
Times-Reporter, Posted  Sep ember 7, 2016 http://www.timesreporter.com/ news/20160907/dover-city- council-bans-medical- marijuana-sales-inside-city   Dover City Council voted unanimously to ban medical marijuana dispensaries, cultivators and processors in the city; also prohibits city employees from using marijuana and bans public use of the drug

“New Phila City Council nixes growing, selling pot in city,” by Alex Knisley, Times-Reporter ,September 7, 2016 http://www.timesreporter.com/ news/20160907/new-phila-city- council-nixes-growing-selling- pot-in-city   New Philadelphia City Council members passed an ordinance that outlaws medical marijuana cultivators, processors and retail dispensaries from being operated anywhere within the city

“Northeast Ohio Cities Approve Delays on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries,” by Nick Castele, September 13, 2016, http://www.ideastream.org/ news/northeast-ohio-cities- approve-delays-on-medical- marijuana-dispensaries  Akron approved a one-year moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries

“Cleveland City Council Declares 12-Month Moratorium on Growing Medical Marijuana,” By Chris Mosby- October 25, 2016, http://patch.com/ohio/ cleveland/cleveland-city- council-declares-12-month- moratorium-growing-medical- marijuana  Cleveland City Council has put a 12-month moratorium on the cultivation, processing and sale of medical marijuana within city limits

Plain Township employees will not be permitted to use medical marijuana,” by Dave Nethers, Fox 8 News

August 25, 2016, “http://fox8.com/2016/08/25/ plain-township-employees-will- not-be-permitted-to-use- medical-marijuana/  Plain Township trustees have added medical marijuana to their list of banned substances on the township’s drug free workplace policy

Additional References

1 Ohio Legislative Service Commission Bill Analysis, Sub. H.B. 523, 131st General Assembly https://www.legislature.ohio. gov/download?key=5399&format= pdf, p. 32

2 ibid.   p.6

3 ibid.  p. 11

4 ibid.  p.12

5 “The Dirty Little Secret Pot Pushers Don’t Want You to Know About, by Cully Stimson, Daily Signal, August 4, 2016, http://dailysignal.com/2016/ 08/04/the-dirty-little-secret- pot-pushers-dont-want-you-to- know-about/

6 “Death by Prescription, “ by Michael O. Schroeder, U. S. News and World Report, Sept. 27, 2016 http://health.usnews.com/ health-news/patient-advice/ articles/2016-09-27/the- danger-in-taking-prescribed- medications

7 “Suboxone, the New Drug Epidemic?” posted on National Pain Report, September 23, 2013, http://nationalpainreport.com/ suboxone-new-drug-epidemic- 8821747.html

8 “Methadone patients fight heroin treatment stigma ,” by John Keilman , Chicago Tribune, July 12, 2016, http://www.chicagotribune.com/ news/ct-heroin-methadone-met- 20160712-story.html

9 “Ban on judge’s Ten Commandments poster stands as Supreme Court declines case,” by Warren Richey, Christian Science Monitor, October 3, 2011, http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/ Justice/2011/1003/Ban-on- judge-s-Ten-Commandments- poster-stands-as-Supreme- Court-declines-case   Federal Government: U.S. citizen and Common Pleas Court Judge James DeWeese has no First Amendment Rights

10 “U.S. Supreme Court affirms firing of teacher Freshwater,” by Jack Torry, Columbus Dispatch October 6, 2014, http://www.dispatch.com/ content/stories/local/2014/10/ 06/Supreme-Court-freshwater- case.html    Federal Government: U.S. citizen and high school teacher John Freshwater has no First Amendment Rights.

11 “Banned: Ohio School drops musical version of ‘Lord’s Prayer’ from graduation,” by Todd Starnes, Fox News & Opinion, May 18, 2016, http://www.foxnews.com/ opinion/2016/05/18/banned- school-drops-musical-version- lords-prayer-from-graduation. html  Federal Government: U.S. citizens of the East Liverpool, Ohio School District have no First Amendment Rights.

12 http://webecoist.momtastic. com/2010/07/12/mad-medicine- 14-crazy-cures-from-ages-past/

Lead Clergymen representing Seventy (70) congregations from Richland County, Ohio who oppose the harvesting and sale of medical marijuana in municipalities and townships within Richland County, Ohio and urge City Councils and Trustee Boards to prohibit this industry in their jurisdictions:

 

 

Reverend El Akuchie, Richland Community Prayer Network       

Pastor Eric Byrom, Mansfield Grace Fellowship

Pastor Ted Howard, Apostolic Holiness                                                                 

Pastor William Crank, Cornerstone Freewill Baptist

Pastor Dennis Nezrick, Grace Evangelical Free                                

Pastor Robert Kurtz, Mansfield Baptist Temple

Pastor Bill Lewis, Butler River of Life                                                      

Pastor Walter Keib, Shelby First Baptist

Pastor Doug Tackett, Taylortown Community                                      

Pastor Rick Lewis, Shelby Church of GOD

Pastor Keith Carlisle, Ontario First Wesleyan                                      

Pastor George Lewis, Shelby Temple of GOD

Pastor Henry Bradley, New Community Temple COG                     

Pastor Art Kennard, Maranatha Christian Center

Pastor Patrick Bailey, North Bend Church of Brethren                  

Pastor Randy Raynes, Mansfield Fellowship Baptist

Pastor James Spencer, Peoples’ Baptist                                                                 

Pastor Russell Stanford, All Believers in Christ

Pastor Anthony Cooper, Shelby Life Church

Pastor Jerry Laudermilk, Ontario Abundant Life                                                

Pastor Bill Henderson, First Baptist

Pastor Jeff Mills, Living Stone Community                                            

Pastor Bill Fisher, Mansfield Grace Temple

Pastor Ben Gregg, Plymouth Church of GOD                                       

Pastor Bill Howell, Messiah House of Prayer

Pastor Larry Hulver, New Liberty Baptist                                               

Pastor Les Vnasdale, Cornerstone Grace Brethren

Pastor Sylvester Ginn, Hesed Agape Fellowship                                               

Pastor Don Wilson, Mansfield Faith Assembly

Pastor Les Champer, Shelby Church of the Nazarene                     

Pastor Rich Hurles, Life Point Community

Pastor Ron Puff, Pleasant Valley Baptist                                                

Pastor Ronnie Conn, Elm Street Freewill Baptist

Pastor Troy Wooten, Christian Life Center                                            

Pastor Glen Phillips, Hillside First Church of GOD

Pastor David Ferrell, Mansfield Holiness Chapel                                              

Pastor David Guild, Mansfield Foursquare Gospel

Pastor Mark Dettmer, Pleasant Grove Community                          

Pastor Phil Green, Real Life Community

Pastor Ferlie Yates, Hanna Road Church of GOD                                               

Pastor Robert O’Brien, Apostolic Faith Assembly

Pastor Kevin Evans, Liberty Baptist                                                          

Pastor Mike Workman, Caeserea Baptist

Pastor Mike Stine, Clear Fork Alliance                                                    

Pastor Steven Baldridge, Rome Community

Pastors Les-Grace Farley, My Father’s House Family Worship    

Pastor Aaron Williams Jr., Maddox Memorial Temple

Pastor Christopher Thomas, Diamond Hills Baptist                          

Pastor William Jordan, Faith Temple COGIC

Pastor Bruce Copley, Faith Chapel                                                            

Pastor Brian Graham, Shiloh Wesleyan Evangelical

Pastor Matthew Pond, First Freewill Baptist                                       

Rabbi William Hallbrook, Sar Shalom Messianic

Pastor Victor Hernandez, Ontario New Life                                          

Pastor Jody Odom, Ambassadors for Christ

Pastor James Hill, Paradise Freewill Baptist                                        

Pastor Willie Mack, Phillipian Community Baptist

Pastor Clarence Sanderfer, New Life Baptist                                        

Pastor Clinton Hearns, Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist

Pastor Caesar Coney, Christ Temple COGIC                                         

Pastor Louis Blevins, Latter Rain COGIC

Pastor Dink Porter, First Church of the Open Bible                          

Pastor Thomas Hunt, Providence Baptist

Pastor Richard Aites, Abundant Grace Fellowship                            

Pastor Mark Bailey, Mansfield Freewill Baptist

Pastor Jim Randas, Lexington Presbyterian                                         

Pastor Jeff Gray, Ontario First Church of GOD

Pastor David Howell, Power House Worship Center                      

Pastor Floyd Glick, First Church of the Nazarene

Pastor Larry Hill, Bethel Freewill Baptist